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Watch ‘father of inflation’ learn of gravitational waves discovery

Physicist Andrei Dmitriyevich Linde is one of the main authors of inflationary universe theory. Watch his emotions as he learns his theory was proven true this week.

Professor Andrei Dmitriyevich Linde is one of the main authors of the inflationary universe theory that was confirmed this week. Watch his emotions as assistant Professor Chao-Lin Kuo surprises him with the news of the evidence that supports cosmic inflation theory.

The discovery, made by Kuo and his colleagues at the BICEP2 experiment, represents the first images of gravitational waves, or ripples in space-time. These waves have been described as the “first tremors of the Big Bang.”

Eleanor Imster has helped write and edit EarthSky since 1995. She was an integral part of the award-winning EarthSky radio series almost since it began until it ended in 2013. Today, as Lead Editor at EarthSky.org, she helps present the science and nature stories and photos you enjoy. She also serves as one of the voices of EarthSky on social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter and G+. She and her husband live in Tennessee and have two grown sons.